The preparation for Commonwealth Games may leave much to be desired but the legislators belonging to the Congress party are already eyeing the flats being constructed to house the participants. Shoaib Iqbal, member of the legislative assembly from Matia Mahal, led the chorus in the House on Thursday when he demanded that the luxurious flats should be bought by the government and allotted to the MLAs at a “special” price once the Games are over. Iqbal argued that the government had failed in its duty to provide accommodation to the elected members. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, on her part, said if the MLAs were to make a formal proposal it could be forwarded to the authorities concerned.

The question, though, is whether MLAs should be given flats at discounted prices. Instead of granting ownership rights, why shouldn't the government create a hostel for the MLAs instead, at the Games Village or elsewhere, and allot accommodation for and only during the term of the members? Do we really want a repeat of the precedent of the Asiad Village in the heart of South Delhi where a few well-connected artistes and others secured dream homes for ever?